Non-impact exercise

Ok, this is my first time trying to lose weight the healthy way. I have tried the whole... stop eating as much... but it just piles back on eventually.... heres my dilemma...

I haven't been overly active since I was 16 years old when i played football 3 times a week, I hate the gym (it is tedious and boring to me) and I have an old knee injury that tends to flare up even after walking for more than half an hour. i find myself limping even after a wander around the shopping mall!!!!!

I love horse riding but around here there isn't really the opportunity to get out on horseback without paying through the nose for it. I like swimming, but have just moved home so I have only just located the nearest pool.

So i need some advice on non-impact exercises that can help me tone up my torso, hips and thighs without doing any more damage to an already screwed up knee!!!!!

thepiglet, Hi. I just wanted to congratulate you on your decision to lose weight the healthy way, and commiserate with you about the limits you have to exercise.

With the knee problem- it may be possible to get pain relief with stretching. I have a knee problem and can often fix it with adductor and calf stretches. It may be worth visiting a physio to find out.

A problem is just a solution in disguise...he he he, so what creative things can you do to burn calories? The swimming sounds good. I'll mull over this and other members are sure to have brilliant ideas.

Thank you so much for your comments. Unfortunately due to the nature of the injury (cartilage damage) streching doesn't help in the slightest... I have been to two physio's since it has happened and i have exercised to help build the muscles around the kneecap, but as far as i know surgery is the only answer to it :(

Fortunately with my new job i get to work outdoors and move about a lot so hopefully that will add to my exercise quota each day.

Thanks for your kind words and support and i send you my very best wishes. xXx

I also have leg issues... arthritis to be exact at only 21! And I also hate the gym and agree it is so tedious. However, I just started going again and have found that as long as I have music that will pump me up or watch the TV in front of me, it's not that bad. Especially if you are really serious.

Before the gym, and still now, I love to bike. My orthopidic told me biking, elliptical (if you do go to the gym), or eve yoga will help.

Believe me, I know how it feels to be 10 minutes through a workout of any kind and just feel my knees and hips popping or my ankle feel ridiculous pain. But I just stop, stretch it out (even if that means simply straightening my leg or getting my knee to pop), and then start back again. If you can, just work through it, you'll feel happy and empowered.

But the important thing to always remember is that if it hurts too bad, stop. There is no need to cause further injury.

Also, if you like sports, check your county or districs parks and recreation department and they have free adult team sports. I personally play kick ball and softball.

I know this was a lot but I hope at least one thing I said was helpful!! Good luck!

A non impact injury that is really good is Pilates or yoga. You will have to do some stretches and balancing moves, so if you do decide that yoga is for you inform the instructor before the beginning of class of your injuries and they should be able to offer alternative stretches or poses for you to do during the class.

there are some really good tapes to rent/buy, but I always think its a good idea to go to a class and have some formal instruction for the first couple of weeks, then go out on your own.

You already mentioned swimming, so how about water aerobics? I did that whe I was pregnant and let me tell you, it will work EVERYTHING!